Boylston gets first response to PILOT requests

BOYLSTON — Boylston has received its first response to a potential payment in lieu of taxes program.

Commonly known as PILOT payments, they are private agreements between municipalities and non-profit organizations that are not required to pay taxes under state law.

The town estimates that non-profits account for $200,000 in uncollected revenue each year. That figure does not include the Summerstar animal sanctuary planned for, but not yet open, on Cross Street.

Although typically used by cities, the Board of Selectmen in November approved a non-binding policy that requests PILOT money from all of the town's non-profits.

The policy, which excludes churches, asks non-profit organizations which own property valued at more than $10,000, to make a contribution to the community. The contributions could be monetary, or in-kind services.

Town Administrator Martin McNamara said the New England Mata Amritanandamayi Organization, which purchased two homes on Linden Street in 2012 for use as a gathering center, has responded, asking the town to provide information on the value of its land, and what a payment might be.